New Income Tax bill seeks wide access to taxpayers' devices and social media profiles

A controversial income tax law that would grant tax authorities extensive access to people' social media accounts and electronic gadgets has been introduced. Serious privacy concerns have been brought up by the action, which is meant to reduce tax evasion and improve compliance, among professionals and citizens.

To track financial activities, the measure aims to grant the Income Tax Department access to taxpayers' computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices. To find any discrepancies between claimed income and lifestyle, the authorities will also keep an eye on taxpayers' social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The measure seeks to identify unreported earnings by monitoring taxpayers' online activity, spending patterns, and digital footprints.

Opponents of the initiative have expressed worries about privacy rights, arguing that such surveillance could violate people's rights and be abused. However, government officials promise that there will be protection against misuse. As per a Finance Ministry statement: "The bill rightly ensures that the collection of data will be only for tax issues and will not violate personal privacy."

Aside from increased surveillance powers, the bill introduces fundamental reforms to taxation policies: To lower the burden of tax on individuals, the bill suggests modified income tax slabs. Working-class individuals may see relief with a greater standard deduction, considering escalating living expenses. The bill proposes to simplify the TDS rates to lower the compliance costs for taxpayers.

The bill will be brought into Parliament shortly, and its passage could revolutionize India's tax enforcement scenario. It will, however, be opposed by privacy activists, digital rights groups, and citizens who are wary of government overreach. As concern about data privacy and government monitoring increases, the bill's future will rest on whether policymakers implement adequate measures to safeguard taxpayer rights while addressing evasion.